2003 Safari won't start, acts like it's out of gas?

Question

At first it was stalling but it would start after 20 minutes or so. When I try to start it, I can hear it turn over but it acts like it's not getting gas. Mechanic said to try Sea Foam so I put that in my tank and it ran for a long time in park, but died when I drove it and hasn't started again since. I can hear the fuel pump power up when I turn the key. What could cause this problem?

My mechanic says that hearing the fuel pump power up is a good thing, if it doesn't the fuel pump is bad. I don't step on the gas when starting it because it is fuel injected.

Answer 1

GM had problems with the a/c suction line being routed over the distributor cap. when you run the a/c the condensation drips from the line into the distributor and will create a no start condition.check the cap and rotor.also 4.3L are bad about two other things off hand. one the coil wires ground out against the trans dipstick tube bracket and two either the pink or white wire going to the ignition coil will break inside the insulation right at the connector(to check unplug hold the connector and pull on each and one of them , usually the pink, will stretch) both will create a no spark condition.

Answer 2

try changing the fuel filter and get 5 gal of fresh gas your mechanic should have said this first if that doesent work the fuel pump could be cloged

Answer 3

I think if its a 2003 and you can hear the gas pump i think that is the problem the gas pump doesnt function properly, its either broken or cloged

Answer 4

Are you holding the gas pedal to the floor? On GM models, you would be cutting off of the fuel....acts as if it is clearing a flooded engine. Try starting it with your foot off the gas

Answer 5

just because the pump makes noise sometimes doesn't mean that it is still working check in-line pressure and the fuel filter

Answer 6

Change mechanics and have them check fuel rail pressure and ignition.